Comparison of High-Intensity Resistance and Power Training Programs in Pre-Frail and Frail Older Adults

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine if high-intensity resistance training or power training is more effective in improving strength and functional outcomes in pre-frail and frail older adults.

Methods: Participants underwent a 10-week intervention, two times per week, performing either high-intensity resistance or power training programs. Strength and functional outcome measurements were performed pre and post-intervention, with statistical analyses completed to compare the relative impact of the two interventions.

Results: High-intensity resistance training outperformed power training in 4/14 dependent variables; including one repetition maximum strength of three muscle groups, and 30 second sit to stand performance. Power training did not result in statistically greater change relative to high-intensity resistance training in any outcomes measured.

Conclusions: Further research comparing the two training methods is necessary to determine which intervention is more effective in impacting frailty, and its associated impairments, in older adults.

Keywords:

• Frailty
• high-intensity resistance training
• power training
• older adults

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Cornwall Manor and its employees Michael Deveney, Courtney Gruber, and Debra Ritter. Their assistance was instrumental in the completion of this study. We would also like to acknowledge Mark Swokel for his assistance with statistical analysis.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial disclosures to make and certify that there are no real or perceived conflicts of interest to declare. The authors have no overt or perceived conflicts of interest, and there are no funding sources to disclose.